How to Choose A Newborn Photographer

Having a baby is an incredibly life changing and beautiful event! The split second your baby is born your life has changed forever. There will not be many other times in your life from this moment on where choosing the right photographer will be so important. Here are the most important details to consider and how to choose a newborn photographer.

Consider their Portfolio

Each photographer has a significantly different style. Have you thought about your vision for your newborn images? It is a very personal decision and often not the first item new soon-to-be-moms think of. Carefully look at each photographer’s portfolio. Are the images artfully composed? Is the focus on the baby? Are there any distracting elements in the images? Does the photographer include parents and siblings in the images? You should instantly “feel” drawn to a certain photographer and their style. Choose what feels is right to you. These photos will be part of your family for years and generations to come.

Consider Safety

Safety is the absolute most important aspect in newborn photography. Trendy poses can be nice but are they done safely? How important are trendy poses? Do they feel natural to you? Ask yourself if the babies in the images you see look comfortable. (They should!) And be sure to find out if your photographer is insured for this specialization of photography.

Consider their Professionalism

Find out if the photographer you are considering belongs to trusted professional organizations. Have they taken newborn photography workshops? What kinds of professional affiliations, accreditation and training does the photographer have? Does the photographer you are considering respond quickly and are they willing to incorporate your ideas and wishes?

Consider Your Experience

Does your newborn photographer set aside time with you in advance to discuss the details of the session and ask about your vision? How well do they listen? Does the photographer offer a Welcome or Session Guide to prepare you for the session and what to expect. Also contemplate what the ordering process is like. Does the photographer assist you in making your selections and design decisions or do you order on your own without assistance?

Consider the Investment

Custom newborn photography is a beautiful thing. You are about to experience one of the most magnificent and blessed events in your life. You will want to remember this time and commemorate it. And you will likely want to choose a photographer that offers products and not just digital files. Do they offer a line of unique products? Do they provide albums or wall art, perhaps keepsake items? After giving birth and enduring weeks of sleepless nights, you will be too exhausted (rightfully so!) to do beautiful things with your baby’s photographs. So you will be inclined to have those products created for you and delivered to your doorstep.

Considering these factors when choosing a newborn photographer is critical to your baby’s safety, having a stress free and enjoyable session, and knowing that you are taken care of above and beyond what another photographer can offer.

This is an awesome list! You are so right about new mothers needing a simple, easy way to get great products and prints of her newborn. New parents don’t need to spend their free time trying to sort out how to order prints, or how to differentiate quality products that will be a family heirloom to something that will discolor or fall apart in a couple years.

A lot of newborn photographers who are not properly trained pose babies using dangerous props or positioning. It’s important to have an experienced infant photographer who has the creativity to come up with beautiful images that aren’t a danger to the baby.

So glad that you find the list helpful. It is definitely something new moms owe to themselves to research and to treat themselves to this type of photography as well. 🙂 Oh yes, and safety is my highest priority.

Such a great and informative post! I love how clear you made the information for potential clients. It certainly can be overwhelming choosing a newborn photographer, especially for new moms who have so many other decisions to make <3ReplyCancel

Kristin MilitoMarch 27, 2015 - 10:36 am

Hi Leslie,

I am glad it was an easy read and so resourceful for you. It is so true! New moms have so much to consider…photography for their new baby should be the easiest and one of the most enjoyable!

Wish all expectant mothers would read this. Trusting someone with the safety of your newborn is something that should be researched carefully. Great article with lots of good advice. Beautiful photo also.ReplyCancel

Kristin MilitoMarch 27, 2015 - 10:38 am

Hi ReNae,

Safety really is something that needs to be the highest consideration for all newborn photographers. Glad you liked the article and images! Thank you for your thoughts~

wonderful questions to ponder…especially about safety. It’s unbelievable what some “photographers” are doing with newborns! I cringe at the thought that a 6 day old baby is placed in a basket in a field of lettuce on a farm. What about the chemical fertilizers and pesticides? And how about bugs, spiders or Mosquitos? Safety…please!!ReplyCancel

Kristin MilitoMarch 31, 2015 - 8:56 pm

Alex,

You are right! Safety is always first before any great image! Thanks for your thoughts!

All great and important things for parents-to-be to consider. In this age of DIY, so many are quick to find someone cheap who will hand over the files but they may not be educated in safety and those parents-to-be don’t realize they won’t have the time or energy to do something themselves with those images!ReplyCancel

Kristin MilitoMarch 31, 2015 - 8:53 pm

Hi Kim,

Unfortunately, that is true! Educating new moms and dads is the way to go! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🙂